Erie, Pa. - After seeing the 2022-23 season as the team's graduate assistant and interim head coach, Blair MacDougall is named the head coach of the men's and women's water polo programs.

"Blair's leadership and coaching knowledge really stood out this spring," said Assistant Vice President for Athletics Brad Davis. "We asked a lot of him, and the results in and out of the pool were impressive. We look forward to Blair's passion and energy next fall as he brings stability to our water polo programs."

Macdougall joined the coaching ranks in 2013 at UC Santa Cruz and helped the team win their second national title. He later joined the University of Central Florida in 2016 with his team being named the regular season champion and finishing runner-up in the Florida Division Championship. He was hired as the graduate assistant at Mercyhurst for the 2022-23 season and was named the interim head coach in the spring, helping the women to a 7-15 campaign, including a pair of wins over Gannon.

Macdougall previously played for the University of California Santa Cruz from 2008-12, helping begin the program for the Banana Slugs for both genders. He helped the team to the DIII Collegiate Club Championship in 2010 with Macdougall playing a large role as he was named to the All-Tournament Second Team while also earning D III All-American Second Team honors.

"I am honored and excited for the opportunity to serve as the head coach for the men's and women's water polo teams at Mercyhurst University," said Macdougall. "The character and the personalities on the current teams made me want to return as the head coach to help facilitate their growth as athletes as well as young adults. My goal is to produce winning teams known for high character and strong water polo acumen. I am proud to be a member of this fine institution and strong athletic program."

He'll the position of head coach on June 1st and prepares for the upcoming fall season for the men.